Working if you live with someone in the at risk category for coronavirus?

B17Fan

If you go to work but live with someone who has an underlying health condition, which the government has stated, then is there any way the person going to work can stop going, but not lose money, in case they potentially bring the virus back home and put that person at risk? Or is it just a case of making sure you practice good hygiene to lessen the risk? 

lincroft1710

How long do you propose not going to work for?

kingfisherblue

My older son is high risk. My younger son is still going into work. We are already keen on hygiene, but have stepped up on this. My older son loves to hug, but we have taught him to bump elbows instead. My younger son spends a lot of his time in his bedroom anyway, but he is staying up there most of the time that he is at home, to help lessen the risk.

Work have stated to all employees that they should continue to attend, unless they develop symptoms. I think that this is fair - after all, no one knows how long this will last, and employers cannot pay healthy employees not to attend for several weeks, unless it is absolutely necessary.

tasticz

everybody is working from home in my current workplace. people living with underlying health condition were given a preference but then after everyone was blankly included to make it fair. it is not as effective as sitting in office but things are being done. 

unfortunately i am leaving this place

General_Grant

B17Fan said:

If you go to work but live with someone who has an underlying health condition, which the government has stated, then is there any way the person going to work can stop going, but not lose money, in case they potentially bring the virus back home and put that person at risk? Or is it just a case of making sure you practice good hygiene to lessen the risk? 

The person with the underlying health condition is supposed to self-isolate.  I assume you are talking about an adult who is capable of applying the principles, you just play your part and continue working and get paid.

suki1964

Mum is high risk and Ive just found out I am as well, but Im still going into work whilst we still have work to go to. She's not isolating within the home, but is not leaving the home

However I drive, work in the middle of nowhere where its the same dozen people, not much chance of coming across a stranger and we have very few confirmed cases in the country, only one in a 20 mile radius 

The reason Im not ready to self isolate is because right now the risk is pretty low, as the risk increases my stance will change. At work we are struggling to stay open, if we close the business goes under and we won't have a job to return to. And who knows whats around the corner, we could all be locked down in a week

Polarpenguin

As others have said you need to practice good hygiene and minimise the risks, which if both adults they also have to take responsibility for their on safety.
I live with my parents both over 70 and have underlying health issues, though are both relatively healthy & still able to get around. I'm still at work,in  a small business and I do have contact with the public. I make sure i'm minimising contact as much as i can, hand washing regularly during the day & as soon as i walk in the door when I get home. Also minimising contact inside the home as much as possible. I still need to work, so I can hopefully still have a job once this is over.
 

Ageing_Disgracefully

General_Grant said:

B17Fan said:

If you go to work but live with someone who has an underlying health condition, which the government has stated, then is there any way the person going to work can stop going, but not lose money, in case they potentially bring the virus back home and put that person at risk? Or is it just a case of making sure you practice good hygiene to lessen the risk? 

The person with the underlying health condition is supposed to self-isolate.  I assume you are talking about an adult who is capable of applying the principles, you just play your part and continue working and get paid.

This^^^^.

As concerned as you are about the person that you live with, it is their responsibility to self-isolate, including from you.  This will mean big changes to how you both live your lives and share your home.  There is advice about this on the gov.uk website.

thebrexitunicorn

As concerned as you are about the person that you live with, it is their responsibility to self-isolate, including from you.  This will mean big changes to how you both live your lives and share your home.  There is advice about this on the gov.uk website.

From what the op said his son could have learning difficulties, in which case it may well not be reasonable to expect him to self isolate. OP have you discussed the matter with your employer? Can your job be done from home? 

unforeseen

I have underlying health conditions but continuing to work. 
I don't use public transport to get to work and can work in isolation so consider the risk is acceptable. Self isolating for 12 weeks is not a viable option while it is still only advice. 

BTW. Home working is not an option in my role. 

SingleSue

I am also in the vulnerable group but continuing to work. I am unable to do my job from home, earn just under the amount by about a pound a week once averaged out to receive SSP (and even so, how would I even obtain that, I am not ill, I've been 'advised' by the government to socially distance/self isloate  due to being in the high risk group - would I even get a fit/sick note?). I'm not happy about it, my anxiety is through the roof but apart from the care part of PIP (I do not currently claim UC although eligible to do so on my earnings, a personal choice driven by a preference to maintain my sanity)  it is my sole income.

Right now I would love to be able to self isolate and hunker down but I feel between a rock and a hard place.